Ottoman influence. The Dinkas are traditionally nomad cattle herders who would move their herd to find new pastures and water. The Dinka tribe believes that there cattle is there sustenance and will take "OX-names" that describe their favorite cattle. Modern Dinka culture mainly revolves around small villages and self sustainability. They grow and raise their own food and do not often trade with others. The current Dinka system of tribal organization is clan based with multiple clans spread out in many different regions of Africa. There is such a long history of conflict with the Nuer and other purely Islamic tribes, that the competition and fighting is almost part of their culture.
The Nuer are very similar to the Dinka in many ways. They only make up 15% of the total population of South Sudan but are still the second largest tribe. They have many different religions including Christianity and their own tribal beliefs. Just like the Dinka tribe, the Nuer are herders who settle where they find pastures for their cattle. Also like the Dinka, they believe thier cattle are the most important aspect of their life, from ceremonies to food. Cattle is thier sign of wealth and is holy to them.
The Nuer and Dinka tribes seem increasingly similar as you look at their modern structure. They are both village based and rely on cattle and a small amount of farming for food.
They are both clan oriented and spread out; though many Nuer have fled from conflicts all over Africa to countries such as Australia. However, there is one minor difference of much significance; the Nuer’s adoption of violence and modern weapons. Like the Dinka, competition is part of their culture and in a post civil war country automatic weapons such as AK's are just too easy to get.
Though the current conflict in South Sudan may not be 100% based in tribal rivalries over land, rivalries over political power has become the new cause to fight(1).
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